Life & Work with Gigi Diorr

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gigi Diorr.

Hi Gigi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
For as long as I can remember, art has always been my best friend. Growing up as an only child in a predominantly white community, and being one of the only black children at school taught me from a very young age that I was different from everyone else, and maybe that wasn’t such a good thing… I was shunned and outcasted for being “weird” and “funny looking” by the other kids, and I tried everything I could to change myself because I was so desperate to fit in. Eventually, I realized that no matter how hard I tried, I could never be something I wasn’t. I finally looked within and found my solace in the beautiful world of music. I first started singing in my school’s choir in the second grade, and the rest is history. I joined almost every sport and musical extracurricular there was, from middle school all the way through high school. My parents further encouraged this passion and growth by placing me in theater and writing camps during the summers in between, where I truly discovered my love of acting. I loved the idea of being able to flip a switch and fully pretend I was someone else living a different life, even if it was just for a moment. This potent combination of the arts distracted me from the petty drama of my angsty teenage life and called me to something much higher that actually felt real. Now, I am an aspiring model and musical artist in her early 20s, building true confidence and accepting every small win with grace and gratitude. Everything I do now is for the little girl inside of me who was so unfairly misunderstood. It is my personal mission to heal my inner child and to genuinely embrace my feminine spirituality with the music I make and the like-minded people I reach…Being different was never a bad thing; it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to us. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being an artist is amazing, but it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. I’ve struggled with depression, identity issues, body dysmorphia, and many lapses in motivation. I always dig myself out of my holes in the end, but I am a perfectionist, and sometimes it’s extra hard to show up for yourself with that overwhelming feeling of “I’m not doing enough.” I always need to remind myself that I am exactly where I’m meant to be and to remain positive and grateful. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an aspiring musical artist, I would describe the music I make as sensual R&B, with traces of hip hop and other flavors. I take my main influence from Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Etta James, J. Cole, and other amazing singers/storytellers. I am known in my city for being authentic, putting on a great live performance, and writing all of my own songs! I’m most proud of how far I’ve come with performing live and gaining personal confidence. I used to have unbearable stage fright, but now I love the feeling of captivating an entire room with my presence (even though I still get butterflies.) 

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
If you’re just starting out, consistency is key! Putting a small bit of time aside on a regular basis to focus on your craft is important so you don’t constantly feel as though you’re falling behind. It doesn’t have to be something major every time, but showing up for yourself and doing something small, even if you’re tired, makes all the difference. Something I wish I knew when I first started is that you should refrain from telling people your every move. Telling others your goals actively hinders you, and outside opinions/premature praise can change your mindset and deter you from getting where you need to be as quickly. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/lavishh.gigii

Image Credits
Eatin In Public
James Vance